Hundereds of homes have lost power in the midst of one of the coldest days of the year, the Northern Powergrid has confirmed. 

The Northern Powergrid is reporting that around 100 homes in the DH6 postcode are currently being affected by a power cut - as well as a number of homes in the Benton area of Newcastle.

This morning, around 8.30 am, the power went out in Trimdon Colliery, near Wingate and Peterlee, so that engineers could undertake vegetation management in the area. 

Initially, Northern Powergrid estimated that power to all customers would be restored this morning, by 11.30 am, but have since advised that repairs are taking longer than anticipated.

Read more: North East weather LIVE: Met Office issues amber warning

The Northern Powergrid writes: 

With power expected to return at 3.00 pm this afternoon, homes will have been left without power for around six and a half hours.

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In addition to the cuts for maintenance in County Durham, customers in the Benton area of Newcastle are also experiencing an unexpected power outage. 

Northern Powergrid said: "The power cut affecting these properties has been caused by an unexpected problem with the cables or equipment that serve the area. If you need to report an emergency, please call 105."

Though the Northern Powergrid is yet to give an estimate for when power will be returned to residents, they have said their support vehicle is on-site, located at 14 The Drive NE7 7SY to give out hot drinks and charging facilities. 

This news comes after the coldest night of the year - as air from the arctic blows across the North of England, bringing with it snow, ice, strong winds, and temperatures as low as - 16.